There was a time when doctors prescribed rest, hot broths and long sleeps to recover from fatigue. Today, many practitioners are adding something very basic and very powerful to the recovery list of morning sunlight. Light is more than an alarm clock; those first rays have been shown to enhance mood, support gut health, and reset the circadian rhythm for the day.
Most recently, studies have shown, being outdoors (sun or not) during the first hour of the day can have profound physical and mental wellness benefits. Let us explore why medical practitioners are treating sunlight as medicine and how you can breathe deeper by creating a morning sun ritual.
The Healing Power of Morning Sunlight
Like all living things, our body follows a natural pattern, called a circadian cycle. The circadian cycle will affect everything from sleep to hormones and morning sunlight is the strongest signal for this cycle.
When your body receives the natural light input to your eyes and skin soon after waking, it tells your brain to start reducing melatonin levels (this is what makes you feel awake) while early morning sunlight is coinciding with increased serotonin production (the feel-good hormone).
This is where all of the imported health benefits of morning sunlight really can shine. Not only does it improve mental clarity, but it also increases vitamin D production which can help boost your immune system, strengthen bone density, and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Morning Rays and Gut Health Connection
One may ask: what has sunlight got to do with digestion? A large number in fact. Scientists have noted that normal morning exposure to light positively affects the retention of the gut microbiome. The maintenance of a healthy gut is an issue that has to do with our foods as well as how our body responds to light.
The more normal your circadian rhythm the better your digestion will go. In other words improved uptake and utilization of nutrients, metabolism, and reduced bloating. If you want how to improve gut health, then be sure to spend at least ten minutes of early sunshine. For an added health boost, follow it with a nutritious breakfast and a tall glass of water.
Morning Sun as a Mood Booster
Have you noticed that a walk in the morning time always seems to lift your mood? It’s not in your head, it’s real. Morning sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that promotes calmness. Clinicians now recommend short morning walks to ease anxiety, reduce stress, and support mild depression. Consider this no-cost therapy from nature.
The benefits of morning sunlight are more than about your physical health, it nurtures your mind, soothes your mood, and supports feeling more balanced throughout the day.
How To Make Sunlight Part of Your Daily Routine
You don’t have to spend hours exposing your body to the sunshine to reap its healing benefits. Here are some ideas:
- Get outside within the first 30 minutes after you wake up
- Get at least 10-15 minutes of natural light
- If safe to do so, for a few minutes you can skip your sunglasses to allow your eyes to absorb full-spectrum rays
- Pairing your morning sunlight and time outdoors with mindful breathing and gentle stretching.
Just a few moments of mindfulness every morning outside can increase energy, focus, and immune health!
Morning rays of sunlight are nature’s gentle medicine, completely free and incredibly powerful! The many advantages of morning sunlight are too powerful to neglect. It regulates your circadian rhythm, supports gut health, and balances emotions! Just start tomorrow by simply stepping outside to discover what nature has to offer!